Osaka's SFU are one of the very best bands in Japan and although appreciated outside these shores they still remain criminally underrated at home. Each album has embraced more styles, from Irish, Okinawan, jazz and rock, until they almost seemed to reach overload. But this one lays strong claim to being their best yet. All the influences blend together more easily than ever before, whether on the gorgeous melodies of 'Here Comes Summer' and 'Caravan Love Song' or the angry 'The Man Who Can Say No' (written about Tokyo's "fascist" mayor). English translations of all songs are included. SFU leader Nakagawa Takashi believes this is their finest hour and I'm not arguing.
(September 2001)
SFU's former record label rounds up a best selection - their second - which shows just how far the Osaka band have progressed since their early days. The 18 re-mastered tracks were chosen by the band themselves and include the cream of their folky Irish and jazzy swing experiments along with a good dose of contemporary pop. The two most important chindon tracks from their unplugged Mononoke Summit recordings are here too. Coming hot on the heels of the new 'Screwball Comedy' album, it's essential stuff. As ever, the packaging is brilliant with 40 page booklet, new photos, and English translations of all the songs.
(February 2002)
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